Islam-Friendly Rubbish Bins in Alkmaar

ALKMAAR, 13/07/13 - The municipality of Alkmaar has stationed Islam-friendly rubbish bins in the districts of Oudorp and Overdie.

At the beginning of June, so-called ‘food and bio-containers’ in which residents can dispose of bread and other food remains were placed at various locations in Oudorp and Overdie. This food waste is currently often thrown along the side of a pond, causing nuisance from seagulls.

"The reason that special food containers have been stationed is to do with the fact that throwing away food does not fit into the Islamic culture,” says the municipality on its website. “The bread and other food that comes into the containers is not however destroyed, but processed in two stages into re-usable materials.”

Christian democratic (CDA) Sustainability Alderman Jan Nagengast says people “should be aware that they can cause infestation by throwing food on the street.” In this connection, Alkmaar has visited a number of mosques and “drawn their attention to the disposal of leftover food.”